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Eric J. Barron, pictured here at his desk in Old Main, began in his new role as Penn State's 18th president on May 12. Barron was named president on Feb. 17, and has nearly 35 years of experience in academic administration, education, research and public service, as well as fiscal management within large and complex institutions.

Image: Patrick Mansell

Eric Barron takes the helm as Penn State's 18th president

As he begins his first week in office, Barron has shared a welcome message with the Penn State community.

May 12, 2014

Eric Barron takes the helm as Penn State's 18th president

As he begins his first week in office, Penn State President Eric J. Barron has shared a welcome message with the Penn State community.

On Feb. 17, 2014, Eric J. Barron was named as the 18th president of Penn State and he assumed responsibilities for the presidency on May 12. Barron has nearly 35 years of experience in academic administration, education, research and public service, as well as fiscal management within large and complex institutions. He has served as the president of Florida State University in Tallahassee since 2010, and has held several notable positions within higher education, including dean of Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences from 2002 to 2006.

Barron is, among other things, an administrator, educator, researcher, and public servant. He taught in and served as dean of Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and was the founding director of the Earth System Science Center during his earlier years at the University. Most recently, he was president of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.